Pentax Optio P80 digital camera : Pentax announce the launch of the Pentax Optio P80 digital compact camera. Its ultra-slim, lightweight design allows it to be carried along anywhere, anytime - more like an accessory than a digital camera. The new Pentax Optio P80 is the latest model of the popular Optio digital compact series providing a host of advanced features for the capture of brilliant, sharply focused portraits. These include: an upgraded version of the Face Recognition AF & AE function, which lets the photographer capture the subject’s face in optimum focus and exposure, even from diagonal angles and in different poses.

Pentax Optio E80 digital camera : Pentax announce the launch of the Pentax Optio E80 digital compact camera. This new entry-class model offers a large 2.7 inch color LCD monitor and simplified operation to enhance image-viewing comfort and operability. The Pentax Optio E80 digital camera comes equipped with a host of user-friendly features and functions to make high-quality digital photography effortless, even for first-time digital camera users. These include the use of world-standard AA-size batteries as a power source, large, easy-to-press control buttons, and the Pentax original Auto Picture mode that automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene.

Pentax K-7 digital SLR camera : Pentax Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the Pentax K-7 lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. Despite its compact, lightweight body, this new model brings together a wide array of advanced functions and user-friendly features with outstanding reliability and operability. This makes it possible to enjoy high-quality digital SLR photography with great ease. The Pentax K-7 has been developed as a high-end model of the Pentax K digital SLR camera series. True to its series concept, it was designed not only to assure outstanding image quality, but also to provide exceptional ease and comfort of operation and the utmost satisfaction to photo enthusiasts of all levels, including advanced amateurs.

Pentax DA 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses : Pentax Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of two compact, lightweight zoom lenses: the smc Pentax DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR, and the smc Pentax DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR. Featuring a newly designed, simplified weather-resistant construction, these zoom enses offer excellent reliability in various outdoor applications - especially in rain, fog and mist. The new zoom lenses feature a simplified weather-resistant construction designed to minimize the intrusion of water and moisture into the lens barrel. With these lenses mounted on Pentax weather-resistant digital SLR camera bodies, the user is assured of improved durability and reliability during shooting in rain, fog or mist and at locations subject to a spray or splash of water.

Pentax camera savings : Pentax Imaging Company has announced another instant rebate program effective May 1 - May 9, 2009 on select digital cameras. The instant savings consist of a $30.00 USD instant rebate on the Pentax X70 Megazoom camera and a $50.00 USD savings on the Pentax K2000 digital SLR single lens kit. With a powerful 24X zoom and 12 megapixels, the compact, lightweight Pentax X70 digital camera captures action from a distance and makes an ideal travel companion. The Pentax K2000 camera is an excellent choice for entry-level digital SLR photographers who are ready to unleash their creativity and step-up from their compact digital camera. Both cameras make perfect gifts for upcoming graduations, weddings and Mother’s Day.

Pentax digital cameras at PMA 2009 : Pentax also attended PMA 2009, but the booth didn’t leave much to the imagination. The compact, completely white booth looked more similar to a sales booth than one for demonstrating and showcasing products. Naturally, the digital SLR cameras of Pentax were showcased as well as a new 15mm f/4 lens, although there was hardly any news, if even any at all, about DSLR cameras. Obviously, Pentax did not consider the PMA to be the right time to make an announcement. If you have doubts about a Pentax announcement coming up, be patient... for one or two months. By that time, we will reopen the Pentax book to add a new chapter...

Pentax medium format camera at Photo Imaging Expo : According to a publication in the popular UK magazine Amateur Photographer, Pentax will appear at the next show in Japan with its digital medium format camera. A few years ago, Pentax announced the development of a digital medium format camera, and the model even received a name: Pentax 645 Digital. After that, however, the plan was stored on a shelf and seemed doomed to stay there. In an interview with John Carlson, product marketing and support manager of Pentax USA, Amateur Photographer was told that Pentax foresees possibilities on the Japanese market for this product. The upcoming Photo Imaging Expo, starting at the end of March in Tokyo, will be used to present the Pentax 645 Digital again.